I know this question has been asked before, but the answers were a little iffy so I thought I'd post it, too.
When should you start giving your formula-fed baby water? My son is 5 months old and the doctor has never mentioned a thing about it. We use powdered formula mixed with water, so of course he's getting hydrated, but I wondered if we were supposed to be giving him plain water, too? And if so, how much a day?
2007-08-16 10:29:11 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Technically it is recommended that you dont give your baby water until they are over 6 months of age. I however used to give my daughter 2 oz of water when she was about 4 months old. But only when I knew that she was tired and nothing else seemed to sooth her. The water worked perfectly! I know you probably know this but im going to repeat it. Dont substitute water for the formula feedings. Your son still needs nutrients that only formula can give him. At 6 months you can start giving your son juice too. I started at 5 months but that was my choice. I would recommed starting with prune juice though. My daughter actually loved the prune juice. You can dilltue the juice too if you want. I personally never did.
Check this out too... It gives you advice on when to start solid feeding. Which is right around the cornor. Just one more month.
2007-08-19 07:50:15 · answer #1 · answered by Kris 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I dont know why all the people above me said not to give babies water?!?!? When your baby is born the hospital gives the baby water first, then formula! You can give him/her water, and if he doesn't take it, put a tiny bit of sugar in it, make sure it is all dissolved, and give it to them. Its not going to do anything but help hydrate them if they spit up alot. Babies usually don't like to drink water because there isn't any flavor. A inch or sugar in some water wont hurt here or there. If you have any problems after that go see the baby's pediatrition, there can be an underlying problem.
2016-05-20 16:36:24 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We started giving our son water when he was about 2 1/2 months old. We started with an ounce and the gradually went up, hes now 4 months and drinks about 3-4 oz a day. In the evening we give his his rice cereal, and a few oz of water. Make sure its the baby water. Its called NURSERY WATER. They sell it everywhere, no need to boil that water since its already purified and ready to drink, but we boil a whole thermous full for the day for his formula (just make sure its cooled down a little),
2007-08-16 10:48:25 · answer #3 · answered by Rayaans Mommy 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Generally, they don't need it. They also don't need juice or tea or anything except the breastmilk or formula - unless directed by a doctor. Reason being - you don't want to fill a tiny tummy with empty calories or no calories, and make them refuse their regular feedings. Formula or breastmilk generally provides all the fluid and nutritional needs a healthy baby requires until they're a year old.
2007-08-16 13:57:48 · answer #4 · answered by zippythejessi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ever doctor is different keep this in mind..But My daughters doctor put her on it when she was 2 months..but she could only have 1-2 ounces a day when she first started her on it. Has your baby started cereal and 1st foods yet..some doctors put babies on it when there 4 months..if your child's 5 months old I'm sure it would be alright. However there are still some people who believe that babies shouldn't have anything other then there formula until 6months but every1 has different opinions. do wat u think is best.
2007-08-16 11:21:33 · answer #5 · answered by Stacey22 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I was giving my babies water about 2 - 3 times a day. Yes it's important 2 give Ur baby water. Just make sure the water is purified first!
2007-08-16 10:35:31 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is really up to you. You could try it, perhaps 1 oz. at a time, to see if your son likes it. If not reintroduce it at a later date, if he does, give it to him a couple of times a day. However, by no means should you substitute this for his formula. He needs the nutrients and water just isn't as filling for him. Hope this is a little clearer and helps. Good luck!
2007-08-16 10:35:05 · answer #7 · answered by blackwidow 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You can start giving him water now. I gave my daughter about 4 ounces, but don't let it be the only thing for them to drink. A meal for my daughter (17 years ago) was, her formula, baby food, and some water. She drank on juice too at this age. Plain formula got to where it wasn't enough.
2007-08-16 10:36:49 · answer #8 · answered by Karen K 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I truly dont see the harm with water for babies. You can introduce water by giving the baby 1-2 Onces a day. Consult with your doctor and see what he/she say about water before you give anything. but honestly as an experienced mother I didnt see any harm done and honestly my son was born in August and I live in Miami they need water just as much as we as adults need it. Good luck.
2007-08-16 10:49:25 · answer #9 · answered by Mari 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If baby is crying inbettween feeds then its always an idea to offer some cooled boiled water as he/she may just be a little thirsty.
My health visitor told me that is the fontanella looked like it dipped inwards then the baby needs a little water. I assume this is the truth as i always used this as a guide and both my babies were very settle and happy.x
2007-08-16 10:36:44 · answer #10 · answered by punkydorieme 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋